boh magazine - jordyn.pdf

7/23/2019 BOH Magazine - Jordyn.pdf

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boh-magazine-jordynpdf 1/50

!"#$%& (%))*+ ,*-.#$%/+ ,-0..)123141235

BUILDING A LEADER



Personal Leadership Philosophy

Leadership Quotation

Before GPP and BOH - Halloween 4 Hunger- Cancer Awareness Committee- Relay For Life- First Job- Grandpa Passing Away- SPCA- Neighbour 2 Neighbour

During GPP

- Leadership Camp- World Diabetes Day- Mentoring- Hamilton Urban Core- Coaching- Osfest Garage Sale- True Colours- Together We Create Change

ConferenceDuring BOH

- Yearbook- Dundas Community Bottle Drive- Senior Year- Dire Woofs- Global CONNECT Program

Heroes/ Role Models - Coach Ridley- Toth

- Ingrid Newkirk- Jordyn Usselman

Personal Manifesto & Pathway Plan

Reflections

After GPP and BOH- Graduating- University- Travelling- Continue Relay for Life- PETA- Leadership Project- Service Experience

GPP: Global CONNECTBOH: Business Leadersh



My personal leadership philosophy is simple yet powerful. It has changed over timeand has molded along with me and my leadership style. My experiences, classes, skilldevelopments, and so much more has lead me to believe that my leadershipphilosophy is simply to inspire, uplift, and motivate others.

Now, a leadership philosophy typically defines your theory, attitudes, principles, andbehaviour towards leadership. So to break it down within my philosophy, my theoryentails the simple idea of uplifting and empowering yourself and other people. Theidea of a “Leader Breeder” is a strong basis for this as I believe the best leaderscreate more leaders.

Moving on to my attitudes towards leadership, I believe the characteristics of

leadership are applicable to everyone. Having a positive attitude towards leadershipcan really make of break you as a leader. Those that accept challenges and face themhead on tend to be the most successful leaders. However, I believe being a successfulleader is attainable to everyone. The legendary Hall-of-Famer football coach VinceLombardi has always said “leaders are built, not born”.

My leadership principles are derived from various leadership articles, first handexperiences, class projects, and volunteer/ extra-curricular experiences in and outsideof school. My principles are that leadership is a behaviour not a position, to always

lead by example, actions speaks louder than words, unity is strength, and there isalways room to learn and grow. With that, these principles correlate into my behaviourwithin leadership. I enjoy being in a role model position, setting good examples, andlearning from others, all of which are key attributes within leadership. I’ve alwaysseemed to be the person that wanted to do all the work in group settings but Idefinitely learned how to delegate tasks and showcase strengths.

Overall leadership is such a key component with your success, character, and growth.

I strongly believe that those leaders that lift others, actually end up lifting themselvesas well.



“You don’t need a title to be a leader”- Mark Sanborn

As soon as I saw this quote, I knew it was the perfect summary of myleadership experience throughout high school. Leadership is something thatcan be achieved on a daily basis in the simplest forms. Leadership ischallenging yourself, taking action, inspiring change, and empowering others.This cannot be defined under a title, they just simply need to be done. It isproven that empathy is actually in human nature; we naturally can sense andfeel what others are and establish a connection. Acting upon this can easily beclassified as leadership.

These past years I’ve learned that I do not need to attend a camp, run acommittee, join student council, or participate in every sports team to beclassified as a leader. Now, those definitely do contribute to the skills andexperience that assist who you are as a leader, but leadership isn’t meant to just stop there. I do not need an important, specified title to demonstrate whatI’ve learned about leadership. I apply it every single day with my peers,mentors, co-workers, friends, family, and even people I haven’t met! There is nodefining line or specification that determines whether one is a leader or not. It isthe small actions and the impact you have on yourself and others. Who are weto put a title on that? Leadership is in everything.



Halloween for Hunger is an event Dundas Valley runs each year to collect cans for aocal food bank. Instead of going trick or treating for candy, students are asked to collectcans for those who are less fortunate. I participated in Halloween for Hunger when Iwas in grade 10 and I am not only proud that I did but incredibly grateful. It was a veryrewarding experience that allowed me to gain many skills. Just knowing that you aredoing something so simple but incredibly powerful for someone else is a priceless

feeling that I definitely gained from participating in Halloween for Hunger.

Myself and two others were given a specific route where we had to, first, drop off flyersto inform residents in the neighbourhood of what was going on. A week later, onHalloween night, we went back to those houses and collected cans for the food bankand dropped them off at the school. The willingness of people in the neighbourhood wassomething great to see. We would visit houses that would give about two or threegrocery bags full of food items!

*7./*%&&

I strongly believe that from this simple but powerful experience Igained many useful, life-long skills. Not only did I realize thetrue importance of giving back in the community, but alsoteamwork, responsibility and organization. From this, I assistedwith Halloween for Hunger in my Global CONNECT class. Although I did not go on a specific route, the whole class ralliedtogether to load up the enormous amount of packaged fooditems.

The three of us really had to work

together as a team to finish ourroute and collect all the food in time.Moreover, responsibility andorganization was definitely involved;we were all responsible forcompleting our route and getting thedonations back to school and had todo such in an organized manner.Overall this is one contributingexperience that has shaped who Iam and I love seeing how it varieseach year!

Project #1: Completed



An experience that I definitely gained many things from would have to beCancer Awareness Committee. We ran many fundraisers and events, andraised a ton of money towards cancer research and support. Some of the

events included; Bottle Drive, Kick the Bucket, Tee Shirt Sales, Bowl-a-thon andHead shaving. One of the highlights for me was the success of the Cancer Awareness Assembly. It was such a great experience to see what we, as ateam, can accomplish. Overall I believe it was a very empowering event thatinspired me to lead the committee the following year.

As for my role in this committee, I contributed to various things in the elapsedtime we had. During our main event of the assembly, I handed out cheques, andtook pictures of head shaving. For Kick The Bucket I had to bring in buckets andhelp count money collected. I also had to assist with sweater design and teeshirt sales. There were various things that had to be done but everyone workedtogether well to accomplish our goals.

I really took a lot away from thisexperience and am grateful for theopportunity for me to make adifference in my community. Cancer issomething that affects many people,

including myself with my grandpa’spassing so it was very meaningful tome. Something I definitely took awayfrom this was how precious life is andhow truly grateful I am for each andevery day. I could not even imaginethe hardships patients suffer every dayand just knowing I made a slight

difference made all the hard workcompletely worth it in the end.




Relay for Life is something I’ve done for twoyears now with a group of ten of my friends.Held in June at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, eachone of us strongly looks forward to this eventeach year. We pitch our tents and begin a long,

powerful, and beautiful night in the fight againstcancer. For the past two years everyone on myteam has raised between $100 - $300 each forcancer. This event is so special to me and hashonestly changed my life. From talking to thecancer survivors and their families to walkingaround the track with the candles in honour ofthose who lost their battle or are still fighting isan overall incredibly moving experience. Butnot only is this event incredibly emotional, it isalso a lot of fun! We order pizza, participate inzumba, listen to live music from various localbands and so much more!

With Relay for life I have a very key role as I am a co-captain with PaigeCarbonneau. Two years ago it was our initial idea to get a team of our friendstogether for this important cause! Since then our team has grown and more of our

friends have gained an interest. This year we are even trying to start two teamsinstead of just one. Before the event it is also my job to raise money and encouragemy other teammates to raise money in order to participate.

Overall this event has a great impact on my life. It made me incredibly grateful for thelife I have, and with my grandpa losing his battle to cancer makes me even moremotivated to continue this event and encourage others to get involved as well. It notonly unites us in the fight against cancer but also brings friendships and many longlasting memories. Talking to all my friends after, we all agreed that it was a great start

to summer and should definitely be a continuing tradition. Relay for Life is a veryimportant experience for long lasting friendships and a good cause!




*7./* 8)%&&

The summer after grade 10 I started my first legitimate job at Ardene. I haveworked for my dad’s business (Tydan) here and there, however in the summer Idecided to add to my resume and apply for another part time position. I am nowvery involved with customer service and work about 15 hours per week. Ithoroughly enjoyed my job and the experience I gained. I get along with all my co-

workers and am really gaining important skills by working in retail.

My position specifically I was a part-time sales associate. I help customers andring through their purchases on the sales floor as well as put stock out on to thefloor for display. It is really interesting seeing how retail stores work and all thebehind work you don’t notice when you are just simply shopping. The businessbehind everything was exciting for me to learn and will definitely enhance mycareer goals.

All in all, getting any type of job will bring many new lessons. I have learned aboutindependence, responsibility, and organization. These are all very important skillsthat I believe I can keep with me throughout other jobs or careers paths as well asmy education choices. Not only have I developed skills by actually completingspecific tasks but I also have learned about budgeting and saving money byhaving a consistent pay roll.




*7./* 8)%&&

Something that has definitely impacted my life drastically would have to be mygrandpa passing away October 2013. I experienced many mixed emotions andlearned how to deal with grieving, guilt and overall truly missing someone and havingto accept the fact that they will never be there again. It was a difficult time for myfamily because he was very sick with pancreatic cancer and was also very old andweak that we all had to watch him slowly slip away. I remember visiting him and not

even recognizing who he was because of all the weight he had lost and theexpression of his face.

I visited him as much as I could and as he passed I felt more and more guilty of nothaving done that much sooner. He was a man who loved his grandkids and althoughmay have not been very active in his children’s/my dad’s life he made sure to be inours. He never failed to remind me of how beautiful I was or of how special hethought each of my cousins and I were. As he passed he know that he was loved

and I truly believe that it was all he needed to die peacefully. All in all, he was the first person I lostthat I have actually been close with andit was not an easy experience. I learnedhow to deal with many mixed emotions,and the importance of love and supportfrom my incredible family and friends. Itmade me grateful for the life I have and

not to take this life I am blessed to livefor granted. The last time holding hishand is something I will never forget andit is my only wish that he looks down andis proud of each and every one of us. Ido many things involved in the fightagainst cancer as it is something verydear to my heart because it is all for himand his struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Overall he was a hardworking man andvery special to many people and willnever be forgotten.




*7./* 8)%&&

A couple of years ago I had the privilege to give some of my time and volunteer withthe Hamilton- Burlington SPCA. When I was much younger I attended a juniorvolunteer camp which really inspired me to get involved and make a difference forthose animals in need. I have discovered from this experience that animal rights isdefinitely something I am passionate about and hope to be apart of finding justice to

animals who deserve it. Going there and seeing so many animals neglected orabused broke my heart and even though I may have been young and did not quitehave a full understanding of the hardships, I knew I wanted to help make a difference.

Although I did not have a very specificrole in this experience, I personally madeit a goal for me to help and be a voice foranimals suffering. This experiencegreatly changed me. I remember seeing

poor dogs who were blinded, had manyinfections, were involved in dog fightingand I promised myself that I would neverstand for such cruel treatment to anyinnocent creature. I could never wrap myhead around how someone could abuseanimals, or force them to fight, or anyform of cruelty really.

From this, I expanded my research tonot only companion animals but allanimals. I researched factory farms andanimals used in the entertainmentindustry or for tourist attractions and itdisgusted me. Since then I have donatedmoney to animals rights organizations,signed many petitions, and volunteered

my time all because of this oneexperience when I was a young girl.




*7./* 8)%&&

For my Civics YPI project, myself and three others decided to spend our time atNeighbour 2 Neighbour located on the Hamilton Mountain. It was such a greatexperience and we really got to see the hard work from volunteers there and theeffort needed to run a food bank for those in need. This was very rewarding anddid have an effect on my life as it made me want to volunteer more, help those in

need, and give back to my community.

My role in this experience was that I had to create a presentation in the hopes ofrewarding this organization with five thousand dollars. It became very personal tome and I was really shown how much they needed the money and my group reallywanted to be the ones to help them out. Unfortunately we were the second runnersup so did not receive the money but another deserving charity took the lead, whichI was still very happy for. It was such a great thing to be a part of and knowing thatwe had all of Neighbour 2 Neighbour’s support behind us was great. I met so many

great people and definitely would love to go back sometime.

This experience not only impacted me, but also taught me many things. I learnedthat poverty is everywhere and help should be everywhere as well. Something thepeople at Neighbour 2 Neighbour really demonstrated was endless support andgratitude which was very much appreciated. This is definitely something that I thinkI will always remember doing, and just making it to the finals for this greatorganization was an accomplishment. The kindness everyone shared wascontagious and I think the YPI program is amazing and should be instilled inschools everywhere.




"/9#: 8)%&&

I was lucky enough to be one of the chosen students to attend Everest LeadershipCamp 2014. This camp took place in September and was run by grade 12 studentleaders. There were various team building activities, workshops on how to be agood leader, and an overall great opportunities to be built up as a person. I learnedso many new skills and instilled the confidence in me to really take on a studentleadership role.

Specifically, I went to learn how to be a leader in my school and plan for a charitygarage sale we hosted with the grade 7’s from the feeder schools. This was such arewarding experience and I really gained the confidence I needed to not only be aleader in my school, but also my community. I was pushed to step out of my comfort

zone and really challenged myself and I think I gained a lot of skills by doing so.

Evidently, I took a lot out of this experience and gained many important skillsneeded to improve my skills and be a positive role model. In this short time, Igained confidence, I learned how to challenge myself even more, and learned a lotabout teamwork and togetherness in our school. It was such a great couple of daysand I am truly grateful for this experience.




"/9#: 8)%&&

Planning and hosting the Osfest Garage sale was one of the many reasons I waschosen to attend Student Leadership Camp (mentioned previously). This was a greatexperience that made me put everything I learned at camp to the test. First we had tohost our own leadership seminars and give presentations to grade 7 students of ourfeeder schools, then myself and fellow leaders went to these schools and started our

planning! I loved the idea of being a role model for these young students and justtalking to them alone was a fantastic experience. My team decided to make our tabletoys and entertainment and our table was very successful at the garage sale.

Myself and three others were the high school leaders of about 5 seventh gradestudents from Central Public. We had to help them brainstorm items they can bring in,set up the table, help with the garage sale and assist them in any way needed. Ithoroughly enjoyed this experience and it made me realize that I want to take on moreleadership opportunities.

With this and Leadership Camp combined, I gained so many life long skills. Workingtogether and helping raise money for United Way (the chosen charity) was such agood feeling and we all had so much fun doing it! This made me realize even morethat I love working with kids and being a role model, I improved on my presentationskills and I also was able to help others and myself work together for a good cause.Overall it was a great experience that had a huge impact on my leadership skills.




"/9#: 8)%&&

Something so evident throughout my leadershipexperiences is when myself and six others ranWorld Diabetes Day in Global CONNECT. I don’teven know where to begin with this experience

overall. I gained so many things and looking back Iam so proud of what we accomplished. We hosteda school wide event that included a BBQ, zumba,forming a big circle, and a photo booth. I am soincredibly proud of what we pulled off and wouldlove to do it again.

I had various roles involved with organizing andplanning WDD. I had to keep track of the bluebinder, take notes, design tee shirts and sweaters,get props for the photo booth, attend variousmeetings with teachers and principals, and sell andcollect tee shirt money. Overall my role and manyothers was very evident to the day and without allthis planning it would not have been as successfulas it was. As for the actual day, I had to make sureeverything was running smoothly, rally people

together, keep track of time, set up, and clean up.

This experience taught me a lot about myself andthe importance of efficient planning. I also learnedhow to be a contributing team member and takeadvantage of the strengths and weaknesses we allposses and use those to our advantage. I gainedconfidence in my organizational skills as well as myleadership skills. I thought the day was very

rewarding and all though things may have beenstressful at times it was definitely all worth it in theend.




"/9#: 8)%&&

For Global Connect one of our five main projectswas planning a five week mentoring session forgrade 10 students who were lacking motivation intheir careers class. I am truly glad I got to do this

and I really accomplished more than I thought Iwould. At first I did not feel comfortable taking on anplanning this for students who did not reallyconsider me as a leader. I was quickly provenwrong and I realized that I was being looked up toas a mentor and had to do my best to set a goodexample and plan age appropriate activities. This isa key component I Learned about leadership,someone is always looking up to you, even when it

may not be recognized or you may not have aformal leadership title.

Week by week, a group of us had to plan mentoringsessions including class time, group time, andndividual time. I really got along with my menteeand I believe I really showed her the importance ofgoal setting, planning, and decision making. Overall had to constantly be a leader for these studentsno matter how close the ages are and the differentopinions we had.

By completing this project I learned the meaning ofa true leader, the importance of time managementand planning, and how to remain organized at alltimes. Overall I had to be a role model even though was only a year older. I had to grasp the mentor

position and I am somewhat glad we got to do itwith this age group because I learned a lot from thisexperience.




"/9#: 8)%&&

Volunteering at Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centrewas something so simple, yet it impacted me in ways I cannotdescribe. This was honestly an unforgettable experience and Iwould not have had it any other way. Seeing the poverty firsthand just 15 minutes away from my own home was just

outstanding. For my excursion project, this is where myself andfour others decided to volunteer and I think we got way more ouof it than just a simple mark and presentation.

When we arrived we had to start wiping down the tables andsetting up tables and chairs. We then had to start cookingbreakfast but it was when breakfast was being served to those need that really changed me. My role was so simple yet not on

person failed to thank me and remind me of their appreciation. would love to go back and volunteer again at HUC because Ihonestly fell in love with the people there. Not once in my lifehave I ever experienced such gratitude over such a simple thin

There are so many things I have learnedfrom this experience and I’m so grateful tohave done such. I learned aboutappreciating what you have and not taking

anything for granted, how a simple act ofkindness goes such a long way. I lovedevery minute of volunteering and itinspired me to volunteer even more andreally get out in my community. I realizedhow much I want to help people and dothis more and more throughout my life.




"/9#: 8)%&&

Last year I decided to expand my volunteeringexperience and assistant coach with ayounger team at my cheer gym for 2 hourseach and every week along with going to

competitions with them. Having fourteenbeautiful little girls absolutely look up to youand are so thrilled to see you every week is areward within itself. I love taking the initiativeand teaching something that I personally loveto do to others that just strive to be in myposition.

I try and build a relationship with each and

every one on the team but these girls end upteaching me things as I teach them. They aresuch a unique group and I thoroughly enjoymy role and am so grateful I get to see themeach and every week. Now whenever I thinkabout cheerleading I actually have acompletely different mindset. I’m not sofocused on being the best team out there, orwinning every competition but simply being apositive role model for these fourteen kids.

As I said, I not only teach them things, theyteach me. Being in this leadership role andworking with all these kids I have learned a lotabout patience and understanding. These littlegirls have also showed me so much hard workand dedication. They are all so focused and

mature and I envy their passion andexcitement to improve and learn each andevery week.




"/9#: 8)%&&

After completing the True Colours workshop in Global CONNECT I actuallydiscovered many traits about myself that prove to be true. My personality turned outto be a mix of orange and gold and I actually strongly agree with this. Afterdiscovering these traits about myself I have found that I seem to exaggerate them attimes such as my organizational skills. I think this was a great way to start off theclass so we can all learn about the different types of people and who we would bebest suited to work with.

Finding out what kind of person I amallowed me to find out different peopleI would work efficiently with and getalong with as well as take advantageof the skills I have for this class andthe various projects. According to the

workshop, some attributes that Ipossess include; spontaneous,generous, dependable, organized andstable. Finding this out I now usethese to my advantage and becomemore confident in the person I am andaccept my different strengths andweaknesses.

However, after completing the test again the next year I had a different outcome.I got a three-way tie with blue, orange, and gold. Blues are sought out to be thecaring and compassionate ones, and after completing Global Connect more bluewas brought into my personality, which then became very evident. This simplyproves the impact volunteering and getting involved really has. I believe this testto be very rewarding and useful as I learned things about myself that I wouldnever had even think of.




"/9#: 8)%&&

The Together We Create Change conference was a very eye opening andmotivating learning experience for myself. Six students were picked out of my entireschool and I had the privilege to be one of them. We were required to promotestudent involvement, inquiry-based learning, and how students can make hugedifferences. All of which I am very passionate about.

I absolutely loved talking to the elementary school students about what they aredoing around their school and community, and really learning what they arepassionate about in school. It truly inspired me to be a better, more active leaderand I could not believe how much I learned from such young kids. I was greatlyinfluenced and inspired by the positive atmosphere at this event. It was really greatto be apart of.

We had different roles throughout the course of the conference. I loved goingaround to different schools, both elementary and secondary, and seeing the studentinvolvement there. HWDSB has a great branch of schools and excellent students. Ibelieve it is so important for students to learn from each other and that is definitelysomething I got to do with this conference. No matter the age difference, eachindividual had a passion for change that was so visible and this passion spreadthroughout the entire time being there. I worked and bonded with students from bothmy school and others and it is an experience that has definitely influenced myleadership capabilities.

http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/blog/together-we-create-change/




The Yearbook committee at DVSS is always something that has spiked myinterest but I had never really taken action towards it. Finally this year we had arisk of not having a yearbook at all so I knew it was my time to contribute. I amresponsible for page designs, specifically the graduating class, which is definitelysomething that excites me being a graduate myself.

So far the committee is coming along great and everyone seems to be workingefficiently. We all have the same goals and set deadlines therefore are able towork well together. We have photographers as well and so far our plans andprocesses have been very organized.

Although I am not the leader of the committee I definitely feel like I have taken aleadership responsibility within the group. Being in grade 12 I believe leadership isa given, whether we recognize it or not students in the school are looking up to

everything we do. Within the committee, it is a majority of grade 12’s but there areyounger students as well looking up to what each one of us is doing. Hopefullyutilizing skills they learn to take on leadership roles in their future years, possiblybeing yearbook.

All in all I am looking forward tothe end result of producing afantastic yearbook for the 2015/16school year. Within this committeeI have not only been practicing bututilizing skills such as timemanagement, organization,planning, and communication. All of which are applicable toeffective leadership.

7<*/ 8)%&&Project #16: In Progress



The Dundas Community Bottle Drive was such a funand rewarding experience for many others and myself!It was great to see so many close friends of mine showup and all work together for such a fantastic andrewarding cause. With the bottle drive we were eachgiven a specific route of the Dundas community to,first, handout letters, and then collect these bottles andbring them back to the local beer store.

Two others and myself chose to take on three routeswhen collecting the bottles. The entire process seemedto be very organized as some people were collectingfrom their routes, others were sorting the bottles at the

beer store, while others were bringing the bottles in tocollect the money. Through the entire process wecollected a total around $900 worth of bottles in justone day. We decided to split our funds with somegoing to Phoenix Women and Children’s Shelter inHamilton and the rest going back to our grad council(the committee of students leading the event).

All in all I really felt a sense of teamwork with this

event. It was nice that it was just students from thegraduating class working together for such a greatcause. These charitable events seem to be more ofbonding activities before we part ways which isdefinitely beneficial for us and the community. I’d like tothank grad council for running such a fantastic eventand all the students that made it all worth it!




As I said, I truly believe that leadership naturally comes with being the oldeststudent in the school. In really any atmosphere, job, team, etc. it is the veterans,the seniors, that are typically looked up to, whether knowing it or not. I havedefinitely found this to be true, coming from both sides of the spectrum. Initiallystarting high school I constantly found myself looking up to the grade 12 students.

Now being one myself, and developing the leadership skills I have, I am fullyaware that students in the school are looking up to me and that is definitely notsomething I want to take advantage of.

In my senior year I hope to make an impact, to set the bar for students and be anexample young grade 9’s will want to follow. This natural leadership is definitelysomething I will appreciate in my last year at DVSS. We have been blessed withso many outstanding opportunities and it will be bitter sweet to have just one lastyear.

With that being said, we need to make the most out of this last year and that is justwhat I hope to do. I hope that myself and others along with me will really set ahigh standard for what itmeans to be a grade 12student at Dundas Valley.Whether its through ourfriendships, skill sets,learning opportunities, or just simply enjoying ourfinal year, the DundasValley Graduating Class of2016 will definitely bememorable.




Something I did throughout a portion of November was volunteer with Dire Woofsin Toronto. Animal justice has always been something that has hit close to homewith me so this experience was not only helpful but also enjoyable. Dire WoofsDog Rescue’s main goal is to find high-risk dogs who are moments away frombeing euthanized, or are vulnerable to abuse a forever home where they will

receive the love they deserve.

Through my experience I met various rescue dogs and was able to find out wherethey came from. A majority of the dogs were from high kill shelters in the UnitedStates that were found by Dire Woofs many volunteers around the country. Ilearned a lot about the difficulties of owning a non-profit organization from directlyspeaking with the founder Carly Werle and from a backstage look on how theseevents are put together.

During the events I helped with I was essentially “dog-sitting” so it really did notfeel like volunteering at all! One particular event hosted was a silent auction tofundraise for the incredible work this organization does on a daily basis. It was anincredible feeling seeing one of the dogs looked after, posted on the Facebookpage in their new home.

All in all, throughout this experience I was able to learn a lot from Carly and thedifficulties of founding an organization. However, he passion never stopped andher leadership abilities are definitely something I aspire to be.

For more information about Dire Woofs please visit http://www.direwoofs.org




The Global Connect program is something I have chosen to pursue aftercompleting the course first semester of eleventh grade and am so glad I chose todo so. This program has definitely been shaping the person I am and who I ambecoming. To graduate as a Global Connect student there are certainrequirements entailed that must be completed and recorded in a booklet.

I have two teacher mentors that are signing for my completion and guiding methrough volunteer work and leadership roles in my school and community. Theysign off after I complete each requirement in my booklet. These include; servicetrip/ volunteer experience, leadership project, a Global Connect based course, anda portfolio such as this one. This program has definitely impacted who I am as aperson and leader.

With this program I have been able to learn firsthand the importance of leadership,

giving back, and kindness. The overall slogan of Global Connect is to “choose thedifference you want to make” and I have definitely been doing so and will continueto do so. I highly recommend for upcoming students to get involved with thiscourse and program as it is truly a life lesson in itself. The skills and experiencesI've developed in Global Connect simply cannot be brought upon a student justsitting in a classroom. It forces you to get out, learn for yourself, collaborate, andmake a huge difference not only in the school, but the community as a whole.Leadership opportunities are endless for Global Connect students and it has reallyinstilled the confidence in me to continue taking on these opportunities in myschool, work, and community.




I believe graduating high school to be a huge milestone in anyone’s life. It isclosing a new chapter but opening up thousands more; a very bitter sweetexperience. It’s a time to reflect, express gratitude, but also move on, make lifedecisions and mature; not only as a student but as a person. Graduating highschool will open my doors and push me even more to contribute to the world.

Honour my old friends as well as make new, but all in all really take a new step upin life.

I like think of it as simply a bookmark. Taking what I've learned and bringing theminto new chapters, joining with true friendship and revisiting honourable mentors.This bookmark represents all of which I have learned in these past four years atDundas Valley and the experiences that have shaped me as a student, leader,and person.

In all honesty I would not have wanted to graduate from any other school. There isdefinitely something special about DVSS and I believe any previous graduatewould say the same. Graduating this year I was thinking why Dundas is soimportant to me and synthesized it down to simply two things; people andopportunity. These two things are why I am graduating the person I am. Thepeople set an amazing atmosphere, for both staff and students, where everyonehas the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Dundas Valleywas somewhere I could step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself everysingle day. My graduation will resemble and reflect upon all of this.

7<*/ 8)%&&Project #21: To Be Completed



7<*/ 8)%&&

In life one of my goals is to find a program that I am interested in atuniversity for a career of my choice. I want to expand my horizons and getthe best possible education and achieve my full potential. The wholeprocess of choosing, applying, then actually going to university is a huge

experience that I wish to purse next year.

I have done some previous research as to where I want to go and what Iwant to take. I am interested in being involved in business and taking overand expanding a family business. I hope to do so and wish to receiveeducation needed to be successful as to where I want to go with my careerchoices. I think going to university and choosing what you want to do showsand exemplifies a great deal of independence and opening a new chapter in

your life.

From this experience that I hope to have in the future I think I will be taughtnumerous valuable life lessons. I think I will learn about hard work andchasing after things you want to achieve, independence and self disciplineare two key things I think will also be gained from the overall experience ofgoing to university. Overall I believe this is a great goal to achieve for postsecondary education and will give me and teach me the independence and

hard work I need to be able to achieve further goals.

Project #22: To Be Completed



Something I definitely want to do more of is travel. I strongly believe thattravelling is an endless opportunity to learn new things first hand. I loveexperiencing new cultures and customs, seeing the way others live,experiencing new scenery, and so much more.

I have an endless amount of places I would love to go in my life and things Iwish to experience. Travelling really would allow me to gain a differentperspective on life and see how much is out their and what this world has tooffer. I have had travelling experiences so far that have impacted my life andI really wish to continue more of this and experience new things.

Overall what I think I will learn through travelling would be just a newperspective on life. There are so many different cultures and customs in this

world that I'm probably not even aware of yet and I would love to learn howothers live.




Relay for Life is an event very dear to my heart as it has a strong correlation withmy grandpa and my best friend’s cousin both who have lost their battle to cancer.One of my goals as a world changer is to continue this event and make it atradition for my friends and I. I love the morals it teaches and I hope to keepgetting more and more involved with this life changing event.

As of now I am a Relay for Life participant but I want to expand my participation tovolunteering and then maybe even becoming a council member to help organizeand coordinate the entire event. This is something I find so passionate andrelatable and I am so grateful I have wonderful friends to have had taken thischallenge with me and I'm sure we will all grow together in the hopes of improvingand increasing our participation with the event.

I have learned many things from my previous years throughout the event.

However, something I think I will learn with increased participation would betogetherness, hope, and overall how powerful we can be when everyone ralliestogether. I think I have seen that throughout the past but if I choose to step in tovolunteer and help plan for the event I think these will be so much more evident.




7<*/ 8)%&&

I definitely want to get more involved with PETA and take more of a role as aworld changer especially for animals. I want to be a voice for those whocannot help themselves and really take action to be an animal rights activistto the best of my ability. Currently I sign many petitions and donate money

towards PETA but I want to get involved even more.

I have always had a passion and love for animals but I want to take thispassion farther in my near future. I want to be looked at as a voice for animalsin need. I want to raise money for animal rights and one day when I get myown home I plan to foster animals who do not yet have a home.

However, I do not want to stop just here for helping animals. In my future I

want to volunteer at local shelters, post about PETA and spread the word oftheir amazing efforts and the horrible problems going on in the world involvinganimals. Overall this has always been a passion and something I want to beinvolved with and it is my goal in the future to take this passion as far as Ipossible can.

Project #25: To Be Completed



Being the leader of the entire Cancer Awareness Committee was a huge learningexperience for me. Although I have participated in the committee every year sincerade 9 taking on smaller leadership roles within the committee, this year Itepped up to the plate and took on the entire group while being at two differentampuses. We ran two assemblies, various fundraisers, bowling, and headhaving just as we did previous years to carry on the great Highland traditions at

DVSS.

learned an extensive amount about dealing with different personalities, adjustingo different situations, looking at struggles with a positive attitude, and prioritizing

and organizing. I’d like to thank my fellow leaders, Reilly Kunc, Jordan Boreland,and Victoria Maximov for supporting myself and one another and developing areat committee with me for such a great cause.

The Cancer Awareness Committee is something that is very close to my heartbecause of losing my grandpa to pancreatic cancer. I am proud to have beenapart of this committee throughout my entire high school career and will holdlose the amazing accomplishments and things we’ve learned. I never thoughthat the shy grade 9 student I was could take leadership over an entire committee

while dealing with two different school locations. I hope to continue having anevident role in the Cancer Awareness Committee in my last year at DVSS.




though I displayed CIT’ing/coaching previously in my portfolio, it is something thats truly shaped the person I am. Stepping beside one of my own role models toare my knowledge of the sport I love with so many great kids is something I hade privilege of doing for just about a year. I dedicated my time and believe I ‘vepacted many of those kids lives, even in the smallest way. Finishing my volunteerperience and having their parents and some of them still message me saying howey miss me or thanking me is something I will always appreciate.

heer Sport Sharks is a program I grew up in, I’ve dedicated a huge majority of mye to my family there and am the person I am today partly because of that.olunteering weekly enhanced my leadership skills, especially by being looked at ascoach or role model to many kids. The passion in such young kid’s eyes when thet to do something they love was very inspiring to me. Global CONNECT is aogram that pushes you to get out in your community and make a difference, andhough I may not have did it in a very common way, I believe I have impacted manthe kid’s in a positively, just as they did for me.

though I am not cheering anymore I still visit as much as I can and am greeted witany hugs and many smiles. Seeing these kids reach their goals and go on to soany amazing things, tell me how school is going, and truly look at me as a roleodel is something I find truly amazing.




“Be the kind of person

that you wantto meet”



Someone who has definitely been a role model for me through thick and thin is myheerleading coach, Amy Ridley. She is not only a coach, but a loving mother, intelligentusiness woman, and overall caring friend. She has had a very large impact on my life ahe is the reason I continue to do what I do. She inspires me beyond cheerleading andeminds me every time I see her to not give up on my dreams and that I can accomplishnything I put my mind to, just as she did.

ast year I decided to take the initiative to step up beside her and become an assistantoach/CIT(coach in training) for a younger team in my gym. Seeing her in a whole newght really inspired me to continue taking on leadership roles in life and to want to be aole model for others. She is loved by everyone around her and continues to do good andeach good somehow, even through the sport of high competitive cheerleading. At everyompetition we are encouraged to wish every single team good luck and set an exampleor good sportsmanship; but its not only that which does.

Having someone have unconditional love andsupport, and be so incredibly proud of youregardless of what you do is something I justhope to ever be for someone. The way shegives everything her all, and is so passionateabout what she does is inspiring. Seeing her jumping up and down screaming for you atcompetition, reminding you of how important you

are, and overall being such a genuine personwho only wants the best for those she coachesmakes me truly unable to express mygratefulness. Next year I will be graduating andno longer cheering with her, yet she alwaysreminds me “Always come back home”. Toconclude, she is not just a role model for me,she has established four walls to be a secondhome to hundreds of kids and has definitelyimpacted my life in ways I cannot describe



Someone who I definitely view as not only a teacher but a role model is Mr.Toth. The countless effort he gives and the love he has for his students isdefinitely something I really appreciate and am grateful for as a student.Taking this class I learned that he not only excels in the business aspect ofteaching but is also incredibly passionate about volunteer work and helpingothers. This is definitely what makes him stand out and have such a positiveimpact on my life.

I believe that Toth changes lives of students everyday through the hard workhe puts into everything he does. He is a teacher, father, and very influentialrole model to those around him. The way he manages to balance everythingat once and still be so involved with each and every one of his students stillbaffles me. He is a perfect example of simply loving what you do and

embracing each and every single day which is something I hope for for myfuture.

With everything he puts on himself and all that he is involved with, he stillmanages to have fun and is always smiling (or making fun of me). DVSSwould not be the same without him and he has definitely made himselfknown throughout the school. Overall I consider myself very lucky to betaught by someone so special and he definitely is very influential throughout

my high school career.



Ingrid Newkirk is the founder of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment ofAnimals) and definitely someone I look up to. I strive to possess the kindnessshe shares to all living things and the courage she has to stand up for thoseanimals who cannot do so themselves. She has started a worldwideorganization for the fight against mistreatment of animals, something I strongly

believe in. Her organization has grown and is very well known for its infamousprotests, petitions, and funding to give justice to animals in need. Throughoutall her success, however, she remains completely humbled and down to earthand continues to fight for what is right.

It is not only her ability to be such a caring, whole hearted woman, but also hergreat success and drive to follow her dreams. She inspires me to never backdown for what I believe in and continue to fight for justice no matter the person

or creature. I see myself in the future either working with people or animalsbecause I really do want to get involved and make a difference in the world asit is something I have discovered to be very passionate about.

Overall I believe she is such a influential women thatuses her powers for good. She has made PETA knownacross North America for saving those animals who do nothave a voice. I respect all her hard work and values and

morals and she is truly a very good role model.



How can I be my own hero? How can I even be a role model for myself? Well,in my opinion I think that everyone is their own hero, it just takes time todiscover that. It took me over four years! It was hard for me to do, I could notlook to myself to set an example, look for inspiration, or even motivation forthat matter, but why not?! It is said that “you are your own worst critic” but why

can’t we be our best motivator or role model as well? This is a huge aspect ofwhat leadership taught me and I am not ashamed to say that I am my own rolemodel.

I honour the skills I've developed on my own, I look up to the fact that I will put110% into something I am passionate about, and take action and set goals formyself. I strongly encourage others to do the same. Take pride in who you areand always appreciate the fact that everyone is still learning and growing.

I recognize that I am privileged with boundless opportunities and havedeveloped the skills and confidence that lead me to believe so. I want tochallenge myself and step out of my comfort zone to be a better me. I want tonot only improve myself but help others to improve. It is said that you can notlove someone until you love yourself and I believe it is the same withinspiration. You cannot inspire others if you can not inspire yourself.



“ reaking out of you

comfort zone is the

pathway to growth”



Choose your own happiness”

his is truly something I strive to live by each and every day. I believe we live by choice,

ot by chance. True happiness does not come from simply being lucky, it comes frommaking a choice to live life, accept the person you are, look at struggles and hardships asearning opportunities and basically just take what life throws at you with a positivettitude.

his manifesto definitely took me at least my time in high school to figure out and I amery thankful for GPP, BOH, and the Global CONNECT program in allowing me to do so.ave developed skills that will stick with me forever, confidence that I can take on myuture, and proof that happiness is a choice to be made, the best one you’ll ever make.

ve surrounded myself with amazing people in an amazing school and will never forgetwhat many of my peers and mentors have done for me when I think of this personalmanifesto.

will forever look back on my high school years and how I’ve matured, and will always beroud to graduate as a Global CONNECT student. This manifesto will allow me to shape

my life, reach my goals, and give me the confidence and happiness to change the world!



Looking into the future is definitely something that both excites me and scares me, butafter completing the Global CONNECT program along with the course and BusinessLeadership there is no doubt in my mind that I can change the world. A priority for myuture years is going to university. I have narrowed down my choices to Laurier, Guelph,and McMaster for either business or communications. Toth, Global CONNECT, andBusiness Leadership are very accountable for these discovered passions. Right now Ibelieve Laurier to be my number one school, having many study abroad programs andbeing the number one school for student volunteering in the world is something thatdefinitely appeals to a Global CONNECT student like myself. A goal of mine is to spendmy second or third year of university in Australia. This is something I believed to only bea dream but after looking at various universities and discovering all the possibilities, Iam thrilled to see this dream become attainable.

One thing I will continue to do, thanks to who I’ve become, is volunteer. I want to always

be seen as someone who gives back as well as work hard for what I have. I willapproach life with open arms and a different attitude then the shy, nervous grade nine Iwas years ago and I can honestly say that I owe it to Global CONNECT and BusinessLeadership. A goal of mine to end with is very general but it is simply that whatever Ichose to do, I do with passion. I want to engage myself in what I want to study, continueo grow and learn, meet new people, visit different places, and referring back to mypersonal manifesto, choose to be happy and choose to give back.



“Looking back so that the view

looking forward is

even clearer”



We don’t learn by just doing,we learn by reflecting onwhat we’ve done”

I can honestly say that Global Connect has not only changed me as a student, but alsoas a person. I handle stress better, I empathize the thoughts and feelings of others, andI feel like I have become a more understanding person as a whole. I have discoveredthat helping others is a passion of mine and I don’t think I would have been able todiscover this so evidently without taking this class. The leadership opportunities I was

faced with were countless but I enjoyed every minute of it and really learned how tochallenge myself. Another thing that was very evident to me was how much I learnedfrom my peers. It was such an effective teaching style and really encouraged all of us tobe independent and face problems with responsibility and respect. My views not onlychanged on world issues but also on what it truly means to be a leader and encouragedme to want to be a role model for others and live my life by treating people with nothingbut kindness and respect and overall just being a happy, grateful, and hard workingperson.

However, that’s simply just from completing the class, carrying on the program openedmy eyes and allowed me to gain so much more. I had certain requirements including: aLeadership Project (running a committee in the school), Service Experience(volunteering consecutively), incorporating the skills of Global Connect into otherscourses, and so much more. This programed shaped a lot of who I am today. I learnedthe value of others from all different walks of life, how to challenge myself and takeaction in the world, and how one person can make the biggest difference. These are allattributes I will hold very close and continue to grow on outside of high school.



This course was incredibly moving and developing as a person, student, and leader.The structure and content made me feel prepared and ready to challenge myself in myfuture studies and really take risks in the classroom. Our class seemed to develop asmore of a team breaking off into smaller ones for each round. The way everyoneuplifted, supported, and encouraged one another was something I never thought to

experience in a university level business course.

Mr. Toth acted as a mentor, not a teacher that simply stood in front of a chalkboardeach and every day. He encouraged us to learn from each other and gave us thefreedom, creativity, and skill sets to do so. I formed new friendships, strengthenedprevious ones and really put my leadership to the test on a daily basis.

Business leadership also strengthened my skills not only used for other classes but lifein general. I am now very organized, able to manage my stress, and can pin point my

strengths and capabilities. None of which I thought I could learn and develop all in oneclass. All in all, I had such a positive experience and strongly encourage future DundasValley seniors to take this class, whether wanting to be involved with business or not.



I truly cannot even put into words how much I have developed as a leader andthe gratitude I have towards the people that helped to get me here. I used tobelieve leadership was something so unattainable but have discovered first handthat it can be demonstrated through the simplest of acts each and every day.

Leadership is everything and I am so thankful to learn the skills I need andalready have to be better and better each day. My leadership capabilities aresomething I will take with me for the rest of my life and will truly never forget. Ilove the fact that it can be applied to virtually anything and these skills contributeto success. It is something I experienced first hand thanks to business leadershipand my volunteer experiences.

Comparing myself to the shy ninth grade girl I once was to who I am now there is

a world of a difference. My leadership qualities have strengthened and developedto shape the person I am and will continue to do so. A huge part about leadershipis self awareness and that was something that was difficult for me to build upthroughout my experience. Understanding your personal values, I believe, is thefirst step to self-awareness. A leader’s personal values may be one of the mostimportant determinants of how your power is exercised or constrained. All in all Iwould not have developed into the leader I am without having valuable mentors,friends, and experiences that have molded my attitudes and efforts.



I chose to set the specific theme for my portfolio as “Building a Leader”. Doing so, Inoticed it becoming even more and more applicable to my developments andexperiences for the following reasons.

Firstly, leaders are constantly building or improving themselves and others.

Leadership is all about noticing what needs to be fixed, taking action, and fixing it. Ifleadership did not include taking action to improve, nothing would be completed, letalone succeed.

Secondly, each experiences acts as a building block or project to contribute to thesuccess of a leader. Leadership is not developed through just one situation orexperience. Leaders constantly challenge themselves and others to take on moreand develop as a person.

Lastly, leadership is a never ending construction zone. Techniques and skills arealways changing and improving. There are different skills needed in differentsituations and nothing really stays constant. Leadership honours changes andchallenges.



Something I have learned firsthand to be extremely powerful in life is expressing gratitudend simply saying thank you, so that is just what I will do. I would really like to thank Mr. Del

Sordo for being such an outstanding principal. Thank you for allowing all that we do in thechool to go on and always lend a helping hand no matter how busy you are. You are suchn inspiration and just talking to you, one can see how much of an advocate you are forocial change and that definitely impacted the work I did within the school. Whenever I sawou and had the privilege to speak and meet with you to organize an event, assembly, orttend a conference, your enthusiasm towards student involvement pushed so many kidsorward and it was so nice to see. I am so grateful I attended Dundas Valley and thetmosphere you set there.

Moreover, I’d like to thank each and everyone of my teachers. No matter what course, Iave always had a positive relationship with the Dundas Valley teachers and staff. Thankou for the skills I have acquired, the lessons I’ve learned, and the passions I've discovered.

Also, I really believe I owe a lot to Mr. Toth. Thank you for never giving up on me, andlways believing in me. Entering into high school scared and afraid with very littleonfidence, I would never imagine to meet a teacher who saw such a spark in me that I didot believe I had. I was treated as a friend rather than a student who simply just needs tonow the curriculum, and from that moment I knew I found a new role model. You sawhings in me I simply couldn't’ and from the minute I was in your class you immediatelympowered me. From then I was lucky enough to have many courses with you teachingnd can fairly say that you have shaped a huge part of the person I am today. You have notnly inspired me to get involved with your many contributions to the school and communityut you have also shaped me as a leader by consistently pushing me to challenge myself,ake action, and set examples for others. With all you have done for me I really don’t everhink I can thank you enough.

Thank you to each one of my friends and family. I would be no where without these positiveelationships. I truly believe that you are only as good as the people you surround yourself

with and I have been so blessed to surround myself with such great people. All in all, Ielieve it is so important to acknowledge what those have done for you and show gratitudeo each individual. Thank you all for shaping my high school experience and influencing theerson I am today.



https://about.me/jordynusselman

http://cheersportsharks.com

http://convio.cancer.ca/site/PageServer?

pagename=RFL_CAN_NATL_homepage&s_locale=en_CA

http://www.direwoofs.org

http://future.mcmaster.ca

https://hbspca.com

http://www.hucchc.com

http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/blog/together-we-create-change/

http://www.n2ncentre.com

http://www.peta.org

https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/leadership

http://www.uoguelph.ca

http://www.valuesbasedleader.com/meet-them-where-they-are/

http://www.wlu.ca



“Great leaders build themselves up”

boh magazine - jordyn.pdf

Documents